Posted 1 month ago
Volunteer Befriender Companion For Activities and Chats
Kingsmead ClusterOn-site
AI Summary
A volunteer befriender provides companionship, emotional support, and social engagement to individuals living with mental health diagnoses through regular friendly interactions and activities to reduce isolation and promote wellbeing.
About this role
Typically 1–3 hours per week (flexible depending on availability and service needs)
Volunteer role
To provide companionship, emotional support, and social engagement to individuals living with mental health diagnoses through regular friendly interactions, meaningful conversations, and participation in activities. The role aims to reduce isolation, promote wellbeing, and support individuals to feel valued and connected.
To provide companionship, emotional support, and social engagement to individuals living with mental health diagnoses through regular friendly interactions, meaningful conversations, and participation in activities. The role aims to reduce isolation, promote wellbeing, and support individuals to feel valued and connected.
Key Responsibilities
Building Supportive Relationships
• Develop a trusting, respectful, and non-judgemental relationship with the individual you are paired with
• Offer regular contact (face-to-face, phone, or online) in line with agreed schedules
• Provide a listening ear, encouraging open and supportive conversations
• Develop a trusting, respectful, and non-judgemental relationship with the individual you are paired with
• Offer regular contact (face-to-face, phone, or online) in line with agreed schedules
• Provide a listening ear, encouraging open and supportive conversations
Engaging in Activities
• Support individuals to take part in enjoyable and meaningful activities such as:
o Walks or light exercise
o Creative or hobby-based activities (e.g. arts, crafts, games)
o Community-based outings (where appropriate)
• Encourage participation while respecting the individual’s pace, preferences, and energy levels
Emotional Support Through Conversation
• Engage in friendly chats that promote confidence and wellbeing
• Provide reassurance and companionship, particularly during periods of low mood or isolation
• Encourage positive coping strategies and conversations that support recovery
• Engage in friendly chats that promote confidence and wellbeing
• Provide reassurance and companionship, particularly during periods of low mood or isolation
• Encourage positive coping strategies and conversations that support recovery
Promoting Independence and Inclusion
• Support individuals to build confidence in social situations
• Encourage engagement with community resources, groups, or services where appropriate
• Empower individuals to make choices and express their preferences
• Support individuals to build confidence in social situations
• Encourage engagement with community resources, groups, or services where appropriate
• Empower individuals to make choices and express their preferences
Maintaining Boundaries and Safety
• Follow safeguarding policies and procedures at all times
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries within a volunteer role
• Report any concerns about wellbeing or safety to the designated supervisor
• Follow safeguarding policies and procedures at all times
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries within a volunteer role
• Report any concerns about wellbeing or safety to the designated supervisor
Record Keeping and Communication
• Provide brief feedback or updates following sessions where required
• Maintain confidentiality in line with organisational policies
• Attend supervision or check-ins with the volunteer coordinator
• Provide brief feedback or updates following sessions where required
• Maintain confidentiality in line with organisational policies
• Attend supervision or check-ins with the volunteer coordinator
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- Empathy, patience, and a compassionate approach
- Good listening and communication skills
- Non-judgemental attitude towards mental health
- Reliability and commitment
- Ability to respect boundaries and confidentiality
- Understanding (or willingness to learn) about mental health challenges
Benefits
Download the PDF to find out more about what you can get out of working for us.
At Together we value and encourage diversity and inclusion within our workforce. We are committed to creating a workplace where you can be your authentic self, welcoming applications from people from diverse communities and backgrounds who share our values. As an employer, we are committed to making any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.
Successful candidates will require an enhanced DBS check. To find out more, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service. Together is committed to equal opportunities and non-discriminatory practices. Charity No. 211091